Combined sewers convey both storm (rain) water and wastewater (sewage) in one piping system. Historically, more than 800 communities across the United States built combined sewers once indoor plumbing became commonplace in the late 1800s.
Today, as little as a quarter-inch of rain can cause the city's existing sewers to be unable to handle the volume of water coming through them resulting in what is called a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). CSOs can pose a potential public health risk as combined sewage introduces oils, grease, fecal matter and other sanitary wastes directly into our community’s rivers and streams.
Consolidated Collection Sewers (CCS) are essentially larger sewer structures intended to divert combined sewage and rain water from the existing sewer pipes in a defined CSO area into the DigIndy Tunnel System, preventing it from overflowing into a nearby body of water. Once inside the tunnel system, captured flow will eventually be conveyed through the underground system to the Southport Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant where it will be processed, treated and released downstream.
Upon completion of the project in 2025, the tunnel will prevent up to 6 billion gallons of raw sewage from entering area waterways annually. While the combined storm and sanitary system areas will greatly benefit from DigIndy’s overflow prevention, the tunnel system will not address neighborhood storm water issues.
Currently, we have several CCS projects underway, including:
E. 10th Street/N. Kealing Avenue
On or after October 22nd, 2018 through January 31st, 2019*, the intersection of E. 10th Street and N. Kealing Avenue will be impacted by large sewer construction related to the DigIndy Tunnel System. This map includes anticipated detour routes, which are subject to change. Detour routes will be clearly posted. Commuters should take precaution and follow all posted signage. Local access to homes and businesses will remain open.
Windsor Park
On or after October 8th, 2018 through December 31st, 2019, multiple intersections within the Windsor Park neighborhood will be impacted by large sewer construction related to the DigIndy Tunnel System. This map includes anticipated detour routes, which are subject to change. Detour routes will be clearly posted. Commuters should take precaution and follow all posted signage. Local access to homes and businesses will remain open.
Market Street/Pine Street
From January 22, 2018 through January 1, 2019, Pine Street will be closed between E. Washington Street and E. Ohio Street. This map includes anticipated detour routes, which are subject to change. Detour routes will be clearly posted. Commuters should take precaution and follow all posted signage.
*Construction schedule subject to change.